Written by Steve 'Frosty' Weintraub

As I said a few days ago…I saw Gus Van Sant’s new movie “Milk” and thought it was great.

All the technical stuff is fantastic. The performances are top notch. And Sean Penn is Harvey Milk.

As someone that only knew a little about Harvey Milk, the film did a fantastic job of telling his story without feeling rushed or moving too slow. I could tell that everyone involved really wanted to be there and it wasn’t some Hollywood movie designed to win awards (it probably will…it’s that good), it was made because what Harvey Milk did was important and his story deserves to be told. If you didn’t know…Harvey was the first openly gay man to be voted into public office in America. In 1977, he was elected to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors.

And while Harvey Milk battled against injustice over 20 years ago, it’s a shame that the battle for equality for all citizens is still a fight that needs to go on today. You’d think we could all agree that everyone deserves to be happy and free.

It’s also fitting that “Milk” is getting released the same month that California passed Prop 8 - which is essentially what Harvey Milk fought against 20 years ago. You’d think we have moved to a more progressive place…but, I guess not.

This film couldn’t be more timely.

Anyway, Focus Features has provided me with 6 clips from the movie and I recommend checking them out. You’ll see what I mean about Sean Penn’s performance.

Also I’m interviewing a ton of the cast this weekend, so look for interviews on “Milk” in the next week or two….

In 1977, Harvey Milk was elected to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, becoming the first openly gay man to be voted into public office in America. His victory was not just a victory for gay rights; he forged coalitions across the political spectrum. From senior citizens to union workers, Harvey Milk changed the very nature of what it means to be a fighter for human rights and became, before his untimely death in 1978, a hero for all Americans. Sean Penn stars as Harvey Milk under the direction of Gus Van Sant in Milk, filmed on location in San Francisco from an original screenplay by Dustin Lance Black, and produced by Dan Jinks and Bruce Cohen.

Milk charts the last eight years of Harvey Milk’s life. While living in New York City, he turns 40. Looking for more purpose, Milk and his lover Scott Smith (James Franco) relocate to San Francisco, where they found a small business, Castro Camera, in the heart of a working-class neighborhood. With his beloved Castro neighborhood and beautiful city empowering him, Milk surprises Scott and himself by becoming an outspoken agent for change.  

With vitalizing support from Scott and from new friends like young activist Cleve Jones (Emile Hirsch), Milk plunges headfirst into the choppy waters of politics. Bolstering his public profile with humor, Milk’s actions speak even louder than his gift-of-gab words.   

When Milk is elected supervisor for the newly zoned District 5, he tries to coordinate his efforts with those of another newly elected supervisor, Dan White (Josh Brolin). But as White and Milk’s political agendas increasingly diverge, their personal destinies tragically converge. Milk’s platform was and is one of hope – a hero’s legacy that resonates in the here and now. 

Milk Trailer

Clip 1 – Harvey’s 48th Birthday

Clip 2 – This is the most wonderful dinner I’ve ever had

Clip 3 – Harvey introduces Anne Kronenberg

Clip 4 – What do you think of my new theater

Clip 5 – Is it me, or is he cute

Clip 6 – Would you go get us some cake